Ready to Rock

A Sumptuous Selection

For aspiring young musicians, getting started often presents the biggest obstacle.

Upper Arlington’s Camp Rock offers an opportunity for kids entering grades 8-12 to meet other musicians and get experience performing.

Now entering its third year, Camp Rock aims to provide kids who want to start bands with knowledge on writing music, working with other musicians and performing live. The camp formed after kids in theater camps began to ask for opportunities to play and learn about music – specifically rock music. Camp Rock gives these young people a chance to meet other performers while learning about what it means to be a musician.

Camp Rock teaches campers about a wide variety of different topics, including music notation, marketing and stage presence. No experience is necessary; some campers will learn a new instrument and be performing by the end of the week. Participants will form a band, choose and learn a set list, and perform live at the end of the camp.

“Our expectation is that kids are going to come and learn as much as they want to and interact with other musicians,” says Upper Arlington Arts Manager Lynette Santoro-Au.

Many kids start garage bands, but the groups often struggle to get experience performing. Camp Rock gives the musicians an opportunity to perform and take their music to the next level, Santoro-Au says.

Linus Fraley, a 14-year-old piano player, participated in Camp Rock for the first time last year after moving to the area. Fraley was so inspired he decided to form a band of his own with a guitarist he met at camp. Their band, North of Lane, has continued to get more performing opportunities, even opening for Bret Michaels, which Fraley describes as one of the best nights of his life. Camp Rock played a large role in the group’s start.

“I’m not even sure if I would be in a band if I didn’t go to that camp,” says Fraley.

Camp Rock gave Fraley his first performing experience outside of a school band. He credits the camp with teaching him how to find gigs and attract a larger audience. Fraley recommends the camp to anyone even considering joining a band.

Those interested in Camp Rock, which takes place from July 13-17, can register through the city of Upper Arlington by July 10. The Camp Rock band will perform 7-8:30 p.m. July 16 at the Jake Will Amphitheater at Sunny 95 Park as part of the city’s Music in the Parks concert series.

Cameron Carr is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.